The Jump’s Midseason Awards

Paul Pierce joined The Jump to discuss the NBA’s front-runners for the league’s top awards at the midway point in the season. There have been several surprises and new looks across the league this year, none perhaps as unexpected as the Milwaukee Bucks leading the Eastern Conference in large part because of the dominant play of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo’s play on both ends of the floor is why The Truth has tabbed Giannis as the current favorite for the MVP award and the Defensive Player of the Year award. In addition, Paul names Luka Doncic as his mid-season Rookie of the Year.

“The Bucks weren’t on my radar for contenders this year,” Pierce said. “It was about Toronto, Philly and Boston. I think [the Milwaukee Bucks] are contenders in the Eastern Conference, and I think he’s the best player in the Eastern Conference.”